The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 21

I knew this storm was just beginning.

The entire morning was spent dealing with various urgent matters. At lunchtime, as I was getting ready to step out, my phone suddenly rang. It was my older brother, Hayden.

His voice sounded a bit anxious as he said, "Cole, have you seen the news? Mom and Dad are furious."

I sighed. "I understand. Please help calm them down. I'll find time to visit in the next few days."

After hanging up, I suddenly lost my appetite. I knew the coming days would only get tougher.

That afternoon, I went to the school to pick up Jonas.

At the school gate, I saw a group of excited parents and students gathered around a luxury car. Jared stepped out of the car, causing a commotion.

Meanwhile, Jonas spotted me and quickly ran over. I crouched down and asked softly, "How was school today?"

He lowered his head and said quietly, "It was okay, but a lot of classmates kept asking Xavier about Jared."

I nodded. "That's alright. They're just curious. You don't need to mind them."

On the way home, Jonas suddenly said, "Daddy, I don't like Jared."

I paused for a moment and glanced at his reflection in the rear-view mirror. "Why not?"

Jonas kept his head down as he muttered, "Because… Xavier keeps showing off how amazing Jared is, like we're nothing compared to them."

I maintained a calm expression as I looked at Jonas, though my mind was already working on how to handle this situation.

"Jonas, you don't need to compare yourself to anyone. We have our own lives, and they have theirs. What matters most is being the best version of yourself."

Jonas raised his head, his eyes glistening with tears. "But Daddy, a lot of the girls in my class say Jared is a big star, and they want to marry someone like him when they grow up. It makes me feel really sad."